Production and utilization of control signals



y 6, 1952 w. c. ANDERSON 95,220

PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF CONTROL SIGNALS Filed March 30. 1949 5 Sheets-Sheet? /6a, 70 WELD/P05? RMPLIFIER 2 7 Z :E- M6 T IT I 5 1 I4 '75 RECTIFIER 1 5 7 57m MOTION RELHY 204iOLEhg2EJn5OwER ,4} K m T ME 3" w? gm 7 o I I Sto J06 A 1 2'06 E I 272 CLUTCH L 2/0 srop 1 MOTOR 51mm! R 6 E To FRGME MOTOR 46 INVENTOR I WILMER c. nnoansou f 6 BY Te soavp /c9O\ ATTORNEY y 5, 1952 w. c. ANDERSON PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION OF CQNTROL SIGNALS 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed March 50. 1949 INVENTOR WILMER c FINDERSON BY I - n. 4|- RNEY Patented May 6, 1952 PRODUCTION AND UTILIZATION v OF CONTROL SIGNALS Wilmer C. Anderson, Greenwich, Conn., assignor to Deering Milliken Research Trust, Greenwich, Conn., a nonprofit trust of Maine Application March 30, 1949, Serial No. 84,447

24 Claims. (01. 57-38) The present invention relates to methods and means for producing and utilizing control signals and comprises a novel control system which, although of general application, is particularly adapted for control of a textile spinning frame for production of yarn having slubs therein. The invention will, therefore, be described with specific reference to such application.

In general the method of the invention comprises the creation and recording of a sequence of control signals, the signals being of random or of constant length as desired and of random or controlled occurrence as desired and the subsequent utilization of the recordings for control of a mechanism, preferably a yarn spinning mechanism. In accordance with the preferred method of the invention, the control signals are produced and recorded at a rate substantially higher than that at which they are to be used in the control operation, in order that a relatively short record may be used for a long period of control.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention that part of the novel control system comprising the means for creating and recording a sequence of control signals includes the following features:

A circuit responsive to randomly occurring phenomena for creating control pulses and means for transforming such pulses into control signals of constant or of random length as desired;

Adjustable means associated with the above mentioned circuit for controlling the minimum interval between signals;

' Adjustable means for adjusting the minimum duration of the control signals;

Automatic means adapted to introduce control signals when the interval between pulses is longer than a predetermined value; and

Recording means selectively connected to receive and record random signals of constant or of random duration or operator controlled signals as desired.

The recording means of the system may be one which produces a permanent record, such as a phonograph disk, ora permanent but erasible record, such as a magnetic record. A record on magnetic tape, for example, permits of monitoring and dubbing. in the event some change in the pattern of produced signals is desired. Either type of record may be used for control of the spinning or other mechanism. In the particular embodiment of the invention hereinafter described, the control signals are recorded either directly, or as a recording, on to phonograph type disks and on both sides thereof so that by playing back the records on a machine equipped with conventional record changing means, substantially continuous control operation may be obtained.

That part of the control system of the invention comprising the means responsive to the recorded signals has, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, the following features:

A circuit which amplifies the signals picked up from the record, suppresses noise therein, and, through suitable relays, causes energization'of a controlling solenoid for the duration of each control signaL-the solenoid when energized permitting coupling of a high speed drive shaft to the feed rolls of a spinning mechanism as hereinafter described;

A frame stop motion connected to the amplifying circuit for shutting down the spinning frame upon failure of any part of the circuit or when the time between signals exceeds a predetermined value; and i Safety devices and circuits associated with the system and including delay means for initiating operation of the system and of the spinning frames in the-proper sequence.

Additionally the invention includes a convenient arrangement for simultaneously controlling a plurality of spinning frames from a central point from which emanate control signals from one or several records. The arrangement is such as to permit of ready control of any frame or group of frames by the signalsfrom anyparticular record.

The above, somewhat generally, described system of the invention will be better understood by reference to the accompanying drawings illustrating a specific embodiment.

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the control signal producing and recording means of a control system embodying the invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of the equipment at a controlled station.

Fig. 3 is a circuit diagram ofthe element of Fig. 1 which automatically introduces control signals when the interval between pulses is longer than a predetermined value;

Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram of the elements of Fig. 1 which permit of adjustment-both of the minimum interval between signals and of the.

Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating the application of the control system to a plurality of frames.

The new control system will first be described with reference to Figs. 1 and 2. The part of the system in which the signals are produced and recorded, as shown in Fig. 1, includes a recording device 2 indicated as ofthe recording disk type, which is connected to receive and record electrical oscillations of constant frequency from an oscillator 4. A pair of electronic gates, 6 and B, the circuits of which will be described with reference to Fig. 4, are included in the connection between the oscillator 4 and recorder 2 so that oscillations are impressed upon. the recorder only when both gates are open. Gate fiii'stheterminus of a series of elements forming a channel hereinafter called the low channelsandgate 8. isthe.

terminus of a second series of elements forming a high channel, gate 6' being opened when a control pulse is delivered. thereto from the low channel and gate; 8: being: closed when; a; control pulse. is delivered. thereto. from: the high. channel;'. The; terms low and high. as." applied to the channels, refer;. as hereinafter appears; to the relative average rate at which pulses are impressed upon the two channels and not to' difference in time constants of the circuit elements making, up the. channels.

The low channel comprises a device responsive. tosrandoml'y occurring, phenomena, indicated as a conventional counter: tube la of. the type which becomes conductive whenv penetrated by ionizing radiationa pulse sharpening and amplifyingcircuit; i202: for the: pulses produced by. the counter: ma, an. amplifier. [4a and; two: multivihraton circuits. I51: and; 1.8;, all. connected. in. series for delivery to gate 6 of control pulsesorigihating; in the tubev la;. This channelincludes a dubher. circuit. 20,,hereinaft'er described with: reference; to Fig. 3., which is connected to the channel. in. advance of" the? amplifier lea: and serves to introduce a pulse into the channel whenever the interval betweenpulses: originating in tube Illa exceeds a: given value. The high channel connected. to gate: 8:: includes a counter A tube lfib, a pulsesharpening and. amplifying circuit. l2.b,,amp1ifier 14bL a multivibrator-circuit. l 6b and at secondamplifier- 22-, the.- output. of. which controlsgate 8..

A- source 2.4 of penetrating: radiation, which may be, and preferably is; a small quantityof radium, is. located at a position. tocause random ling gate 6 has pulses impressed thereon at a low average rate and. the channel controlling gate 8 has pulses impressed thereon'at' a high" average rate.

In the operation of the system of Fig. 1, acontrol signal for. recording by device: 2- is initiated when gate. 6 is opened and isterminated when gate 8 is closed, unless it is sooner terminated by closureof gate. 6. The'period' that gate 6 remains open. depends" on the time: constant of -multi-vibrator [8 which thus controls the maximum. duration: of a control signal.

By means of a variable capacity 28; the time constant of circuit l8, and, therefore, the maximumduration of anycontrol signal, may be adjusted asdesired. The respective time constants of multis-vibrator circuits Isa and I6?) determine the minimum interval between pulses in the lowand high channels respectively and variable condensers 30 and 32 are provided for respective adjustment of such time constants. The movable elements of condensers 28 and 32 of circuits l8 and [6b are preferably mechanically tied together for conjoint operation, as indicated by 'the'dashed line 34, in order to correlate the time constants of the two circuits and permit full range of signal duration up to-the maximum determined by the time const'ant'oficircuit l8.

With the system of Fig. 1 so far described, control signalsof' random occurrence and of random duration will. be recorded by the recording device 2;: The-average rate of occurrence of the signals and of their duration can be controlled by varying the location of the source 24 with respecttothe counter tubes Ilia and [0b, or by substitution of a shield of diiferent thickness or of a different; degree;- ofi opacity to the. radiations emanating from; the. source.

A selector 35 .shcv\rn in;detail;in Fig; 4, permits the. circuittobereadiiyrchanged; if desired, for production of signals of constantinstead' of random length or permits. the operator to control both the'length andoccurrence ofithe signals independently oi the counter tubes.

The diagram; of Fig.2; now to be described, represents; schematically" the part. of. the system. of the invention in which. the recorded control sig, nals' are reproduced and". utilized for" control of the speed: of; the back. rolls; of. a. spinning: frame. One: unit. of a: conventional spinning. frame is rd-ia grammatically indicated: as. comprisinga pair of back rolls: 33; and: a. pair:- oi. front. rolls. 4.9;. The shaft oi the; driven; back. roll; is; indicated at. 2 andthat. of. the. driven; front. 13.011131 4.4. A; frame motor; indicated at, 4:5, through suitable stalling, drives; the.:fron.tt roll. shaft M. at, a relatively; high rate. Themotor 46. also.drivesthebackrollshatt 42, the gearing including a drive pinion 41: which 'may'be'mounted on shaft, 44, a. gear tiirdrivcni by the pinion-.41- andmounted by means of anoverriding, clutchv 49 on-a stub shafti 5.8 andgears 5! coupling shaft 56 to-shaft. 4.2:. The. overriding clutch 49 is provided to permit the rateoi rota.- tioniot thebach rollsto be increased; under control. of the controlsignals; Aswillbewellunders stood. in the: art,v an: increase; in. back: roll; speed will increase the diameter of the. yarn produced by the mechanism; and hence eachatime the speed of the back rolls. is increased aislub wilLbe-r inserted in the yarn, the length-of theslub depending upon the length of timethat. the back rolls. are driven at the higher speed.

In the. particular embodimentof the invention illustrated in Fig. 2, the means controlled by. the reproduced signalsfor driving the shaft 50, and therefore shaft 42 as well, independently of the frame. motor 46', includes a. shaft 5| which, is coupled to the shaft 50 by meanstof a. chain 52 and sprockets 53 and 54 on the shafts 5.1 and 59 respectively; an overriding clutch 55' being provided between theshaft 5| and sprocket 53. A motored, through a pinion 5.1 on its:shaft'drives a gear 58 rotatably mountedv on the shaft, 5i and adapted: to be coupled thereto by a clutch. 60.

The clutch. 68. has. formed therewith a ratchet wheel 6i which, when held against: rotation by a detent 62,,prevents the clutch from coupling gear 58 to the shaft 51. A. solenoid 64', when energized in response to. reproduced control signals, lifts the detent 6-2- and: thus permits the clutch 6D- to couple gear 58' to. the shaft 51. Details of the mechanism of clutch 60 have not been illustrated as they form no part of the present invention and as suitable clutches of the type described are available commercially, one such being known as a single revolution clutch, manufactured by the Hilliard Corporation of Elmira, New York.

"with each pulse it would not afiect the number of pulses transmitted through the low,channel.

sponse to control signals picked up from the record 69 by a conventional pick-up device 10 and impressed upon circuit 66 after being sharpened and amplified in a network 12, the circuitv 66 causes solenoid 64 to be energized for the duration of each'signal. Circuit 66 also operates to open the circuits of the motors 46 and 56 in the event of failure of any part of the system or in the event that the interval between signals exceeds a predetermined value. Thus when the in-{. tervals between signalsare within the desired use asthe dubber unit 20 of Fig. l is shown.

The circuit includes a pair of tubes M and I6, the anodes'of which are connected through re-.

sistors 7-8 :and 80 respectively to a source of positive potential, indicated at V. through a switch 82,

which is diagrammatically indicatedin Fig. 1,jis preferablyganged to a switch 84 in the high voltage line to the counter tubes Illa and Illb. The anode of tube 14 is connected through a condenser 86 .to the input to the amplifier I4a of the low channel, and through a condenser 88 .to the control grid of tube 16. The anode of tube I6 is connected to the control grid of tube 14v through a condenser and the cathodes of both tubes aregrounded. A resistor, of the order ofone megohm, is connected between the control grid and the cathode of tube 14 and a resistor, of the order of fifty kilohms, is connected between the control grid and cathode of tube" 16. With the above type of circuit, the tubes I4 and I6 alternately become conducting. Each timetrigger when a pulse arrives through condenser 86, additional pulses are inserted into the system by the dubber circuit only when the counter tube Illa has failed to produce a pulse over a period equal to the normal time between circuit trig ering as determined by the constants of the circuit. For example, if the constants of the dubber circuit are so chosen that a negative pulse would be produced once each second then if one or more pulses arrive from the counter tube Illa each sec-- ond. although the dubber circuit would trigger Should one second elapse, however, between pulses from the counter tube, the dubberrcircuit would trigger at its normal rate. and hencein'sert a pulse into the low channel and initiatea control signal.

Pulses inserted by the dubber circuit 20 and those transmitted from the counter IOathrough the amplifier I2a, after amplification in amplifier "Ila are impressed upon the multi-vibrator I6a which, as shownin Fig. 4,- may includea double triode 92 the cathodes of which are tied together and connected through a condenser 94 to the ungrounded output terminal of amplifier Ma.

The cathodes are connected to ground through an adjustable resistor 96.= One control grid 96 of the double triode is connected to ground through a fixed resistor I 66 and the other control grid I02 is connected through the adjustable capacity 30 to the anode associated with grid 9 8. A source of positive potential, indicated as 3+ is connected through a common resistor I04 and respective resistors I06, I08 and I ID to each anode of the tube 92 and to the control grid I112. The capacity 30 preferably comprises an array of condensers adapted to be selectively connected into circuit by means of a movable contact arm H2.

With the above described circuit when anegative pulse appears at the cathodes of the tube 92, the cathode potential is lowered causing current to fiow through the part of the tube controlled by grid 98, which, in turn, through a condenser of array 30 reduces the potential on grid I62 and causes the part of the tube controlled by grid I02 to stop passing current. The anode of the part of "the tube controlled by grid I62 is connected to unit I8. Hence, a positive pulse will be transmitted to the multi-vibrator unit I8. after an interval depending upon the capacity of the particular condenser connected in circuit by the contact arm II! of the condenser array. A second negative pulse from the amplifier Ma during the interval required for passage of thepulse through the unit I6a will have no effect and hence the unit operates to control the minimum interval between pulses.

Unit I8 is substantiallylsimilar to unit I6a but as it is to be triggered by a positive pulse,'the output from unit I6a is connected to a'control grid of a'double triode I I4 instead of to the oathodes of that tube. The adjustable capacity 28, like capacity 30, comprises a condenser array having a movable contact arm II6 for selection of the condenser to be inserted in circuit between the first anode and second control gridof the double triode of the unit.

The second anode of the double triode I I4 is connected through the selector 36, when .control signals of random occurrence are to be recorded, to gate 6 to cause opening thereof upon deenergization of the second half of the double triode, as hereinafter described. The length of time that gate 6 remains open .is controlled by the capacity of the condenser of array 28 that is con? nected in circuit by the arm H6 and hence the position of that arm determines the maximum length'of control signal. I I

The arm H6 is ganged, as indicated bythe broken line. 34, to an'arm I'8 of a condenser array comprising the adjustable capacity 32 controlling the time constant of multi-vibrator circuit I 6b in the high channel from the counter .tube IIlb. Circuit I6b operates, like circuit I6a, after receipt of a negative pulse at the cathodes of the double triode I from amplifier I412. to transmit a negative pulse. The condensers of arrays 32 and 28 are so selected that the minimum interval between pulses to which the. circuit I6b will respond is equal to the maximum length of control signal for each position of the contact arms H6 and H8.

The second anode of the double triode I20 is connected to ground through a pair of series connected resistors I22 and I24 and the junction of I these resistors is connected to the control grid of a triode' I26. The cathode of triode I26 is operated at positive potential, as indicated, and the anode thereof is connected through selector 36; when signals of random length are to be re-- corded, to gate 8 and through a dropping resistor I28 to. 13+. Triode I26 is thus normally energized but is deenergized when a negative pulse, resulting from energization of the second half of double triode I20, is impressed upon its control grid.

Gate 6, in th particular embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 4 comprises an input transformer I36 the primary of which is connected to oscillator 4, an output transformer I32 the secondary of which is connected to gate 6, and a. double triode I34, the control grids of which are connected across the secondary of transformer I and the anodes of which are connected across the primary of transformer I32.

The cathodes of the double triode I34 are connected together through a resistor I36. The midpoint of resistor I 6.6 is connected to the mid-point of the secondary of transformer I30 and, through a resistor I38, to 13+. The mid-point of the primary of transformer I32 is connected toB+ through the resistor I26 and, through selector 36 when signals of random duration are to be recorded, to the anode of tube I 26. Thus when tube I26 is energized as a result of a pulse from counter Isflb the potential applied to the anodes of the double triode 1-34 is insufiicient to cause energize- -tion of that tube and hence gate 8 is closed, no

voltage appearing across the secondary of transformer I32.

Gate. 6 includes a pair of tetrodes I46 the second control grids of which are tied together and connected to B+ through a pair of series con nected" resistors I 42 and I44.

also connected, through selector 36, when sig- These grids are nals of random occurrence are to be recorded, to the anode of the second half of tube II4 of circult-I8. -The anode-of the first half of tube H4 is connected to 33+ through a resistor I46 and resistor I44 and the control grid of the second :half of tube II4 is connected through a resistor I48 and resistor I44 to B+.

The secondary of transformer I32 isconnected jacross. the'first grids of tubes I43. The primary of'an output transformer I50 of the gate 6, which is connected across the anodes of tubes I40, has its mid-point connected to 3+. The secondary oftransformer I50 is connected to the recording device. Hence when the second half of the doubletricde H4. of circuit I8 is deenergizedas the result of a pulse produced in counter I fla'or'of .oneinserted by the dubber circuit 20. the potential applied to the second grids of tubes I40 is raised sufficiently for these tubes to pass current channel, or until gate 6 is closed as a result of energization of the second half tube H4, corresponding to the restoration of that tube to nor.- mal conditions after an interval determinedby the setting of arm I I6 of array 28.

The selector 36, in the particular embodiment illustrated in Fig. 4, comprises a three position rotary member I54 comprising two mutually insulated arcuate conducting segments I 56 and I58. When randomly occurring signals of random length are to be recorded, the rotary member I54 is in the position shown in Fig. 4, hereinafter called position No. 1. In position No. 1 a radial extension of segment I56 engages a fixed con.- tact strip I60 which is connected to the. anode of the second half of tube I I4 of the multi-vibrator circuit I8, and a radial extension of segment I58 engages a fixed contact strip I62 whichis connected to 13+ through the resistor I28. A fixed contact I64, connected to the second grids of tubes I46 and to resistor I42, engages-the strip I56 in each position of the rotary member I54 and a similar fixed contact I66 connected to the anode of tube I26 engages strip I58 in each position of member I54. A short fixed contact I 68 is connected to contact I66 and positioned for engagementby the extension of strip I56 when the member I54 is rotated counterclockwise through a definite angle into position No. 2. In position No. 2, the connection between gate 8 and tubeIZIi is broken as the extension of segment I58 has moved out of engagement with fixed contact I 62,- but gate 6 is still under control of pulses transmitted through the low channel. Gate 8 thus remains open and signals of constant length but of random occurrence will be recorded; the length of the signals depending upon the setting ofarm II6 of the array 28. When the member I54 is rotated counterclockwise through a further angle into position No. 3, the connection between tube II4 and gate 6 is broken as the extension on strip I56 moves out of engagement with'contact I68. A fixed contact I70, connected to ground through a resistor I72 and a manually operated switch I14, is positioned for engagement by the extension on strip I56 in position ,No. 3 of the rotary member I54. Switch H4 is preferably spring biased toclosed position and the resistance of resistor I72 low enoughto prevent energization of tubes I40.

Thus in position No. 3, both channels lose control of the gates and the operator, by manipulation of switch I'M can control gate 6 and'h'ence can control both the occurrence'and the duration of the signals to be recorded. Obviously, if desired, switch IE4 could be operated automatically as by a commutator or the like. for recording of signals of any predetermined sequence or pattern.

In Fig. 5, to which reference may now be had, is shown indetail the control circuit of Fig. 2 and the various elements controlled thereby in response to the signals reproduced from a record. In Fig. 5 terminals R6 are connected to the pick-up head 1%) (see Fig. 2), terminals 61 are connected to a suitable power supply line, for

' example, 60 cycle volt supply line and terminals I88 are connected to a suitable source of three phase voltage for the frame motor 48, say 500 volts. A main switch I82. when closed connects terminals 61 through suitable fuses to the record changer motor 68'and to a rectifier and filter I86 through a suitable resistor. A safety switch 3 is provided in the lead from the undergrounded terminal 67 to switch I82. The positive potential output lead I88 of the rectifier and filter is connected through a potential dropping resistor with the anode of a triode I90, through the winding of a relay I92 with the anode of'a triode I94 and through the winding of a second relay I96 with the anode of a triode I98. Relay $92, which, as hereinafter described, is energized in response to control signals impressed upon terminals I16, controls, over a front contact, the circuit of the solenoid 64. Relay I96, which is energized so long as the interval between signals is not excessive, controls, over a front contact, the circuit of a stop motion relay 290 so as to maintain that relay normally energized. The circuit of a time delay relay 202, solenoid power relay 204, clutch motor 56 and magnetic starter 206 are all controlled by the stop motion'relay 200. Time delay relay 292, which is normally deenergized, serves to delay initial energization of the solenoid power relay 204 when the system is started up. Relay 204, after its starting circuit is closed over a front contact of relay 202, picks up its armatures to close its own stick circuit over a front contact and to open the circuit of relay 202. Relay 204 over a second front con"- tact controls the circuit of solenoid 64. Magnetic starter 206 controls the circuit of the frame motor 46, each of the terminals I80 being connected to a different armature of the starter and the leads to the motor being connected to front contacts associated with the armatures. A fourth armature, 2I0 of the starter is connected to the ungrounded end of the starter and to a lead 2I2 which, through parallel branches including normally open jog and start contacts, is connected by lead A to ungrounded terminal 61. The front contact of armature 2") is connected through series connected normally closed jog and stop contactsto the front contact of the stop relay 200, the armature of which is connected to lead A. i

in order that the control circuit will respond selectively to the control signals picked up by the pick-uphead I (see Fig. 2) and impressed upon the terminals I16, a circuit 2 I4, comprising parallel connected inductor and'condenser tuned for resonance at the frequency of the signal, is connected between the amplifier I2 and the control grid of tube I90. If the frequency of the recorded signal, that is of the oscillator 4 of Fig. 1, is say 5 kc. and the rate of reproduction is one hundredth that of recording, then the circuit 2 I 4 would be tuned to resonate at 50 cycles. Hence tube I90, when a signal is impressed on terminals I16, will follow the oscillations of the signal. A

rectifier tube 2I6 is connected to the anode of tube I90 so as to be energized during each signal.

except when the interval between signals exceeds a predetermined value. V H

, Thus during normal operation-relay I92 in the anode circuit of tube I94-pulses with the signals and relay I96 in the anode circuitof tube I98 remains energized so long as signals are reproduced at or above a given rate. During each signal solenoid 64 controlling the clutch'60 (Fig.

2) is energized,'the circuit of thesolenoid being.

from the ungrounded terminal of switch I 82, through'the closed contacts of relay I92, lead 15,

closed contacts of the power relay 204, andthe: solenoid winding to grounded lead If there isa failure in any part of the circuit or if a signal fails to appear after an interval determined by the time constant of circuit 2I8, relay I96 drops its armature, opening thecircuit of stop motion relay 200 by breaking the connection between the lead from the ungrounded terminal of switch I62 and lead D. Deenergization of relay 200 opens the circuits of the starter 206, the clutch motor-56 and solenoid power relay 204 and closes the circult of a stop signal lamp R. The circuit of frame motor 46 is accordingly opened atv the contacts controlled by the starter 206 and the frame shuts down.v

The cuit of frame motor 46 can be .l'o ged by. depression of the log button but cannot be placed in running condition until control signals come through at a rate sufficient to'maintain'.

tube I98 conducting. When this occurs, a relay 200 .isreenergized and the system placed in cOnditio'n to be put in operation by depression of the .1

start button.

One specific embodiment of the invention ,as

applied to the control of a single spinning frame has now been described. From the description of Figs. 1 and 3 it will be apparent that provision is made for selectively recording randomly occurring signals of random or of constant duration as desired, and selectively adjusting the minimum interval between signals and the maximum dura:'

tion of the signals. If desired direct recording of signal under control of the operator may be made by operation of the selector to the position No. 3 andmanipulation of switch I14.

The recorded signals may be used togcontrol. one or a plurality of frames as desired, or several reproducing and control circuits of the type illustrated in Fig. 5, each responsive to a different. record, could be provided at a central point and so connectedto different banks of frames as to.

permit of selection by the operator of the par-. ticular pattern of signals forv control'of a particular frame or bank of frames Such an arrangement is schematically illustrated in Fig. 6 to which referencemay now be had.

y In Fig. 6 supply lines L1, L2 and L3 for the system are shown at the upper left of the drawing. Line L2 is grounded and is connected to aneu-I. tral block 220 mounted on a fuse panel 222. .A

double bladed safety switch S, corresponding to switch S of Fig. 5, connects lines L1 and Lawith leads 224 and 226 respectively. A lead-228 from the neutral block and a lead AF1 connected through a fuse to lead 224, are led to the control units of half of the frames to be controlled'and] correspond to leads D and A respectively of Fig.5. Similarly a lead 230 from the neutral block and a lead AFz connected to line 226, provide the power for the control units of the remainderof the frames.

Each of four terminal blocks, P1, P2, P3 and P4.

one for each pattern of control signal, is-provided with four terminals for connection to the ,asso: ciated control circuit. The control circuits and the connections therefrom to the terminal blocks are-not shown in Fig. 6 but theterminals are .in-f dicated in Fig. 5 and will be readily understood from the following description. Terminal T1 of each block is connected to the neutral or ground lead of the associated control circuit, terminal T2 is connected to the ungrounded terminal of switch I82 (see Fig. 5) of the associated control circuit,

terminal Ta is connected to the front contact of the relay I96 (line D) and 'terminal Tt is con Terminals T1 are all connected to neutral block- 220 and to a neutral lead 232. Terminals T2 are all connected to the line 226. Terminals T3 and T4 of the terminal blocks are adapted to be selectively connected to four pair of relays, Km and Ksi; K722 and KS2; Kpa and Ks; and K104 and Ks; by means of eight four position switches. The movable arms of the switches for each pair of relays are ganged together, as indicated by dashed lines.- Terminal T4 of block P1 is connected to the first position of the switches controlling the Kp relays and terminal T3 of block P1 is connected to the first position of the switches controlling the Ks relays. Similarly terminal T4 of block P2 is connected to the second position of the switches controlling the Kp relays and terminal T3 of block P2 is connected to the second position of the switches controlling the Ks relays. Terminals T4 and T3 of blocks P3 and P4 are similarly connected to the third and fourth positions of the switches. The K'p relays thus act as repeaters for relay I92 of the particular control circuits to which they are connected and the Ks relays act as repeaters for relay I96 of the particular circuits to which they are connected. One end of the winding of each relay is connected to the movable arm of the associated switch and the other end of the winding is connected to neutral line 232. These relays, switches may be mounted in a suitable cabinet at a control station.

A signal lamp I1 is connected across the first position of the switch controlling relay K81 and the neutral lead 232 so as to be lighted whenever the control circuit associated with block P1 is in operation. Similarly a signal lamp I2 connected across the second position of the switch controlling Ksz and the neutral lead 232 indicates the condition of the control circuit associated with block P2 and lamps Ia and I4, connected respectively to third and fourth positions of switches controlling relays Ks: and KS4 indicate when sig nals are available at blocks P3 and P4.

The controlled elements at each frame, namely the stop motion relay, clutch motor, time delay relay, solenoid power relay, solenoid and magnetic starter, are not shown in Fig. 6, but leads B, C and D for several frames'are indicated along the lower part of the drawing. At each frame of one group of frames these leads are connected to the terminals of a triple-pole double throw switch 234. Lead C, at either position of the switch 234, is connected to a line 233 which is connected to the neutral block 220-.- When the switch 234' i thrown to the left, lead B is connected to the power line 224 through contacts controlled by relay Km, and lead D is connected to the power line 224 through the contacts controlled by relays Ksi. When the switch is thrown to the right, relays Km and KS2 control the connections between leads B and D and the power line. The control units at a number of frames say at thirty frames, may be similar connected through double throw switches to the power line 223 through the contacts controlled by relays K131, K31, K172 and KS2. mainlng frames are connected in. like mannerto the power line 224 through contacts controlled ,by relays Km and KS3, K274, and KS3. Thus at the control cabinet any two patterns of control signals from the terminal blocks Pl, P2, P3, and P4 can be made available to one group of frames by the switches controlling relays Kpi, KS1, Km and Ksz and the same or difierent two patterns can together with their The units at the re--- be made available to the remaining frames by the switches controlling relays Kps, KS3, K224 and- K5 At each frame station the operator can select, by means of the switch 234 either of the two patterns made available for that frame at the central control cabinet.

The invention has now been described with reference to a single specific embodiment as applied to the control of one or of a plurality'of spinning frames. Obviously various changes in the particular circuit illustrated could be made and various parts eliminated without departing from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the appended claims. Although the invention is particularly adapted for the control of spinning frames for production of yarn having slubs therein and has been so described, other applications of the system will be apparent to those skilled in the art. 7

The following is claimed:

1. The method of producing a novelty yarn which comprises producing a sequence of control signals, recording the produced signals, reproducing the signals from the recording and controlling an element affecting the diameter of yarn during production in response to the reproduced signals.

2. The method of producing a novelty yarn which comprises producing a sequence of control signals at a given average rate, recording the produced signals, reproducing the signals from the recording at a lower average rate and con trolling an element affecting the diameter of yarn during production in response to the reproduced signals.

3. The method of producing novelty yarn having slubs at random intervals therein which comprises utilizing inherently random phenomena to create a series of control signals, recording the created control signals, reproducing the recorded signals and controlling an element affecting the diameter of yarn during production in response to the reproduced signals.

4. The method according to claim 3 wherein the signals are reproduced at a substantially lesser rate than that at which they are recorded.

5. A system for producing a novelty yarn which comprises means for producing a sequence of control signals, mean for recording the produced signals, means for reproducing the recorded'signals, mechanism for afiecting the diameter of yarn during production and means for controlling said mechanism in response to the reproduced signals. a

6. The system according to claim 5 wherein said first mentioned means includes a source of randomly occurring pulses, a source of control signal energy, connections between said last mentioned source and the recording means, a'circuit connected to receive pulses from said first mentioned source and having a definite period of response to each pulse impressed thereon, said circuit operating, except during periods of response to said pulses, to interrupt said connections to said recording means.

7. The system according to claim 6 includingmeans for adjusting the period of response of said circuit to adjust the maximum duration of therecording of a signal.

8. The system according to claim 6 includin a second circuit having a definite period of response to each pulse. said second circuit being interposed between said source of randomly oc-' curring pulses and said first mentioned circuit.

tween said last mentioned source and the recording means, a circuit connected to receive pulses from said first mentioned source and having a definite period of response to each pulse impressed thereon, said circuit operating, except during periods of response to said pulses, to in terrupt said connections to said recording means, a second source of randomly occurring pulses and means responsive to pulses from said last mentioned source for interrupting said connections to said recording means.

10. The system according to claim 9 including circuit means interposed between said second mentioned source of randomly occurring pulses and the means responsive to the pulses therefrom, said circuit means having a definite period of response to a pulse and thus providing a minimum interval between delivery of pulses to said responsive means.

11. The system according to claim 10 wherein said circuit and said circuit means are multivibrators.

12. The system according to claim 10 including means for conjointly adjusting the time constants of said circuit and said circuit means.

13. A- system for producing a novelty yarn which comprises means for producing a sequence of control signals, means for recording the produced signals, means for reproducing the recorded signals, mechanism for affecting the diameter of yarn during production and means for controlling said mechanism in response to the reproduced signals, said first mentioned means including a source of randomly occurring pulses, a source of control signal energy, connections between said last mentioned source and the recording means, a circuit connected to receive pulses from said first mentioned source and having a definite period of response to each pulse impressed thereon, said circuit operating, except during periods of response to said pulses, to interrupt said connections to said recording means, a second source of randomly occurring pulses and means responsive to pulses from saidlast mentioned source for interrupting said connections to said recording means, means for selectively rendering said last mentioned means ineffective to interrupt said connections whereby signals of random occurrence and of constant duration may be recorded.

14. A system for producing a novelty yarn which comprises means for producing a sequence of control signals, means for recording the produced signals, means for reproducing the recorded signals, mechanism for affecting the diameter of yarn during production and means for controlling said mechanism in response to the reproduced signals, said first mentioned means including a source of randomly occurring pulses, a source of control signal energy, connections be tween said last mentioned source and the recording means, a circuit connected to receive pulses 1mm said first mentioned source and having a definite period of response to each pulse .ima

pressed thereon, said circuit operating, except during periods of response to said pulses, to rl-Il- I terrupt said connections to said recording means,

, a second source of randomly occurring pulses,

means responsive to pulses from said last mentioned source for interrupting'said connections to said recording means, means for selectively rendering said last mentioned means or both such means and saidicircuit ineffective to interrupt said connections, and independently operable,

means for interrupting said connections when the means responsive to pulses from said second source of randomly. occurring pulsesandsaid circuit are rendered ineffective to interiuptsaid connections.

15. A systemtforproducing anovelty -tyarn 16. The system according to claim 15v whereinsaid last mentioned means include means'forcreating a sequence of randomly occurring, con trol pulses, meansresponsive to such pulses for opening one of said gate means, meansforcreate, ing a second sequence of randomly. occurring control pulses and means responsive to pulses of said second sequence for closing the 0ther: ,of

said gate means whereby oscillations from s aid source are recorded as control signals of random occurrence and of random duration.

1'7. The system according to claim 16 including means for maintaining said second gate means open independently of said second sequence of pulses whereby oscillations from said source are recorded as control signals of random occurrence and of constant duration.

18. The system according to claim 16 including means for adjusting the period for which said first gate means remains open after occurrence of a pulse oi said first sequence.

19. A system for producing a novelty yarn which comprises means for producing a sequence of control'signals, means for recording the produced signals, means for reproducing the recorded signals, mechanism for affecting the diameter'of yarn during production and means for controlling said mechanism in response to the reproduced signals, said first mentioned means including a source of randomly occurring control pulses, circuit means connected thereto and responsive to said pulses, a source of control signal energy, connections between said signal energy source and said recording means controlled by said circuit means, said circuit means including at least one network having a predetermined time constant for maintaining control of said connections for a predetermined period after occurrence of a pulse, and automatic means for impressing a pulse upon said circuit means when the interval between pulses from said source of randomly occurring pulses exceeds a,

predetermined value.

20. A system for controlling a ram spinning mechanism for production of yarn having slabs therein comprising in combination means for creating a sequence of control signals, circuit means responsive to the. created signals, an element-adapted when actuated to effect the injection of a slub into yarn being spun, said circuit means operating to actuate said element in response to the created control signals and means associated with said circuit means for stopping the yarn spinning mechanism when the intervals between successive signals exceeds a predetermined value.

2 1. A system for producing novelty yarn comprising in combination means for recording electrical oscillations, means for interrupting the recording at intervals to produce a record of a sequence of control signals, means for reproducmg the signals from the produced record, a yarn spinning and drafting mechanism, and means responsive to the reproduced signals for changing the draft of said mechanism during each control signal, said responsive means including a circuit tuned to the frequency of the reproduced oscillations.

22. A system for producing novelty yarn comprising in combination means for recording a sequence of control signals, play-back means for reproducing the recorded signals, a yarn spinning and drafting mechanism having a driving motor therefor, an element adapted when actuated to change abruptly the draft of said mechanism, a solenoid connected with said reproducing means for actuating said element when energized in response to the reproduced signals, a stop motion relay, a normally closed energizing circuit for said relay, a time responsive device associated with said reproducing means for opening said I energizing circuit of said relay when the intervals 23. A system for selectively controlling. a 911k rality of spinning frames comprising in combi-.

nation, a plurality of recordings of sequences'of control signals, signal reproducing means for each recording, means at each. frame for chan ing the draft of the frame in response to control signals, and means for selectively connecting each of said last mentioned means to any one of said reproducing means.

'24. A system for selectively controlling at a central location a plurality of spinning frames comprising at such location, a plurality of recordings of sequences of control signals, signal reproducingmeans for each recording, means at each frame for changing the draft of the frame in response to control signals, switch means at the central location for selectively preparing circuitconnections between the signal responsive means of a group of frames and any group'of reproduc ing meansand switch means at each frame for selectively completing any one of the circuit connections prepared at the central location for that frame, whereby the draft of such frame may be controlled in response to signals reproduced from any one of said recordings.

WILMER C. ANDERSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS 

